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“Is Imran Khan’s Political Career Over?”

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Photo Source: Picture of Imran khan by u_b8833s1vtm on December 5th, 2023 via Pixabay.

22-01-2025

Amna Hafeez

Pakistan Researcher,

Global Human Rights Defence.

 

Mr. Imran Khan, the former Prime Minister of Pakistan, has been sentenced to 14 years in prison for corruption, marking a considerable setback for the beleaguered leader. This represents the longest prison term Khan, the former cricket star turned politician, has received, having been incarcerated since August 2023. Throughout his legal struggles, he has been charged in over 100 cases, including allegations of disclosing state secrets, selling state gifts, and engaging in corrupt practices—charges he has consistently dismissed as politically motivated.

In this latest case, Mr. Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, were found guilty of unlawfully acquiring valuable land through a corrupt deal with Malik Riaz, one of Pakistan’s most powerful real estate tycoons. The couple allegedly received the land via the Al-Qadir Trust, which they established during Khan’s time in office. In exchange, investigators claim Khan used £190 million ($232 million) repatriated by the UK’s National Crime Agency to help settle the tycoon’s court fines. Despite the serious charges, Khan’s party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), maintains that the land was intended for a spiritual education centre and not for Khan’s personal gain.

This case is being described by Pakistani authorities as the largest corruption scandal in the nation’s history, although Pakistan has seen several high-profile financial scandals involving previous leaders. Khan has vehemently denied the charges, labeling the trial as politically motivated and part of an effort to thwart his return to power. His political influence remains significant, with PTI-backed candidates securing the most seats in the 2023 elections despite his ongoing imprisonment.

Following his conviction, Khan remained defiant, telling reporters that he would “neither make any deal nor seek any relief,” emphasising his stance against what he views as a politically driven judicial system. The ruling comes after multiple delays and amidst PTI’s ongoing talks with the government. Mr. Khan’s 14-year sentence is the maximum allowed under the case’s charges, and he has also been fined over £4,000. His wife, Bushra Bibi, was sentenced to seven years and fined more than £2,000; she was taken into custody immediately after the ruling.

Mr. Khan’s legal struggles have provoked widespread protests from his supporters, who contend that the charges and subsequent convictions are intended to silence him politically. These demonstrations have prompted a severe crackdown by the authorities, resulting in the arrest of thousands and numerous injuries in clashes with law enforcement.

Although Mr. Khan remains incarcerated and barred from holding public office, his political influence continues to cast a shadow over Pakistan’s political landscape. In 2023, Khan was sentenced to three years for failing to declare funds earned from selling gifts received during his time in office. Additionally, he was given a 14-year sentence for selling state gifts and a further 10 years for leaking state secrets, though both sentences were later suspended. Despite these ongoing legal challenges, Khan’s influence within the country remains formidable, and his role in shaping Pakistan’s political future remains crucial.

 

Sources and further readings:

Legal cases against Imran Khan and his wife. Dawn (January 17, 2025)  

<Legal cases against Imran Khan and his wife – Pakistan – DAWN.COM> Accessed 22 January 2025 

Imran Khan jailed for 14 years in corruption case. BBC News (January 17, 2025)

<Pakistan: Imran Khan sentenced to 14 years in corruption case> Accessed 22 January 2025

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